Nursing is a noble and highly respected profession. Many students dream of becoming a nurse, but not everyone gets the grades required to pursue the course immediately. A very common concern among aspiring students is this: Can I study nursing with a D7 in English, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, or Mathematics?
This detailed 2025 Admission Guide will answer that question with clarity. We will examine what happens if you score a D7 (or its equivalent) in one or more science subjects, how it affects your eligibility, and the best paths forward.
Whether you’re aiming for a Certificate in Nursing, Diploma in Nursing, or a Bachelor of Nursing, this guide covers every possible scenario.
Why These Subjects Matter for Nursing Admission
To understand whether a D7 can stop you from studying nursing, it’s important to know why each of the key subjects is essential:
| Subject | Importance in Nursing |
|---|---|
| English | Communication with patients, report writing, understanding lectures and clinical documentation. |
| Biology | Foundation of human anatomy, diseases, organs, and health science. |
| Chemistry | Understanding medications, fluids, reactions in the human body. |
| Physics | Use of equipment like X-rays, IV pumps, and technology in patient care. |
| Mathematics | Essential for drug dosage calculations, time management, and interpreting medical charts. |
These five subjects form the backbone of the nursing profession and most nursing schools expect you to pass them with at least a credit grade.
Let’s now break it down subject by subject.
Can I Study Nursing with D7 in English?
Short Answer: No, you usually cannot study nursing with D7 in English.
Why?
English is the language of instruction in most universities and nursing colleges. It’s also used in licensing exams, documentation, and patient communication. A poor grade in English is seen as a barrier to effective performance in both classroom and hospital settings.
Typical Requirement:
-
Most schools require at least a C or C6 in English.
-
Some institutions may require B3 or higher, especially at university level.
What You Can Do:
-
Resit the English exam (WAEC, NECO, GCE, GCSE, or equivalent).
-
Consider a bridging program if offered by a private college.
-
If you're aiming for Certificate-level Nursing, some schools may accept a D7 with strong performance in other subjects.
Can I Study Nursing with D7 in Biology?
Short Answer: No, Biology is one of the most important subjects for nursing and a D7 will disqualify you in most cases.
Why?
Nursing is a biology-based field. You will be expected to understand the human body, infections, organs, diseases, and more. A low grade in biology suggests you may struggle academically.
Typical Requirement:
-
At least a C6 or C in Biology is required for diploma and degree programs.
-
Certificate programs might consider a lower grade but it's rare.
What You Can Do:
-
Resit Biology through an external exam.
-
Take pre-nursing courses or a health sciences foundation year if available.
-
Strengthen your grade in other core science subjects (like Chemistry and English) to boost your application.
Can I Study Nursing with D7 in Chemistry?
Short Answer: It depends on the institution, but most require at least a C in Chemistry.
Why?
Chemistry helps you understand:
-
Drug formulation and reactions
-
Blood chemistry
-
Nutritional science
-
Intravenous fluid preparation
Common Practice:
-
Some nursing programs allow Physics or Mathematics to replace Chemistry.
-
However, others still demand a minimum C grade.
What You Can Do:
-
Improve your Chemistry grade by rewriting your exam.
-
Choose institutions that accept Physics or Mathematics as alternatives.
-
Apply to Certificate programs where Chemistry may not be a strict requirement.
Can I Study Nursing with D7 in Physics?
Short Answer: Yes, some nursing schools accept a D7 in Physics, depending on your performance in other subjects.
Why?
Physics is important but is often not compulsory. It is mainly relevant to:
-
Medical equipment operation
-
Basic physical science understanding
Typical Requirement:
-
Physics is often optional in many nursing programs.
-
Strong passes in English, Biology, Chemistry, and Mathematics can compensate for a D7 in Physics.
What You Can Do:
-
Focus on the required subjects (especially Biology and English).
-
Consider private colleges or midwifery programs that do not list Physics as a core subject.
-
If Physics is required by your chosen school, consider resitting the exam.
Can I Study Nursing with D7 in Mathematics?
Short Answer: It depends on the program level. For most diploma and degree programs, a credit in Mathematics is required.
Why?
Math is used in:
-
Calculating medication dosages
-
IV drip rates and feeding schedules
-
Monitoring time-sensitive treatments
Typical Requirement:
-
A minimum of C6 in Mathematics is expected.
-
Some institutions may accept a D7 if the student has strong grades in other science subjects, especially in certificate-level programs.
What You Can Do:
-
Resit Mathematics and aim for at least a credit.
-
Consider schools with flexible entry requirements for nursing assistants or community health programs.
Minimum Subject Requirements for Studying Nursing
Here's a general look at the minimum subject requirements for different nursing program levels:
| Program Level | Required Subjects | Minimum Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Certificate in Nursing | English, Biology, Chemistry/Math | Usually C6 or better; Some schools may accept D7 in 1 subject |
| Diploma in Nursing | English, Biology, Chemistry, Math | At least C6 in all; D7 not accepted |
| Bachelor of Nursing (BSc) | English, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Math | Credits in all 5 subjects required |
Alternative Health Courses If You Have D7 in Core Subjects
If you have D7 in any of the five core subjects, consider these alternative programs that still lead to careers in healthcare:
-
Health Assistant Certificate
-
Community Health Extension Worker (CHEW)
-
Medical Laboratory Assistant
-
Health Records & Information Management
-
Home and Family Health Care
-
Caregiving/Support Worker Courses
-
Public Health Technician Certificate
These programs have more flexible admission requirements and allow you to upgrade to full nursing qualifications later.
Summary Table: Can You Study Nursing with D7 in Key Subjects?
| Subject | Can You Study Nursing with D7? | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| English | ❌ No | Resit the exam or take bridging |
| Biology | ❌ No | Resit and aim for at least C6 |
| Chemistry | ⚠️ Maybe (Depends on school) | Resit or check if Physics can replace |
| Physics | ✅ Often Yes | Focus on core subjects |
| Mathematics | ⚠️ Maybe | Resit or apply for certificate programs |
FAQs: Nursing Admission with D7 Grades
1. Can I study nursing with D7 in Biology and pass in others?
No. Biology is a core subject for all nursing programs and must be passed with at least a C6.
2. Which subjects are compulsory for studying nursing?
English, Biology, and Chemistry are compulsory. Mathematics and Physics are important but may not be required by every institution.
3. What is the best alternative if I have D7 in one or more subjects?
Consider certificate programs in health or nursing assistant roles, then upgrade later.
4. Can I gain admission into private nursing schools with D7?
Some private institutions offer more flexible requirements, but most still expect credits in key subjects.
5. Is bridging allowed for D7 in science subjects?
In some countries, yes. You may take a foundation or pre-nursing course to upgrade.
6. Can I apply for nursing with NABTEB or GCE instead of WAEC/NECO?
Yes, most schools accept equivalent results as long as the required subjects and grades are met.
7. How many credits do I need to study nursing?
Generally, at least 5 credit passes including English, Biology, Chemistry, and Math.
8. Can I become a nurse without science background?
No. Nursing is a science-based profession. You need passes in core science subjects.
9. Is Mathematics more important than Chemistry for nursing?
Both are important. Chemistry is more directly related to nursing science, but Math is essential for practical tasks.
10. Can I rewrite only one subject (e.g., Biology) to gain admission later?
Yes. You can rewrite specific subjects via WAEC, NECO, or GCE to improve your result.
Conclusion: What to Do If You Have D7 in a Required Subject
If you truly want to study nursing, a D7 should not be the end of your dream — but it will delay your admission unless you improve your results. Here are the best next steps:
-
Resit any subject you have a D7 in, especially English, Biology, and Chemistry.
-
Consider alternative health programs that still allow you to enter the medical field.
-
Apply to certificate programs and work your way up.
-
Always verify the current requirements of the nursing school or board in your country or region.
-
Stay focused — many successful nurses started from certificate programs and advanced later.
With the right strategy, discipline, and determination, you can still become a nurse, even if your first result included a D7.